Paparoa National Park
This 30,327 hectare park features coastal forest, limestone canyons, caves and underwater streams as well as a spectacular coastline. The Paparoa range forms a dramatic background to the coastline, rising to 1500 metres and offering walks of varying levels.
Pancake Rocks
The park's best-known highlight is the Pancake Rocks - so named because the stratified limestone formations look like stacks of giant pancakes. In heavy seas, water rushes into chasms and chambers beneath the rocks, creating blowholes and waterspouts.
The rocks can be found at
Punakaiki, where the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre is based. In the right conditions, the sea erupts up to 10 metres through the main blowhole. A cantilevered platform allows visitors to see down the blowhole's throat.
The nearby Truman Track - located just before Punakaiki - takes walkers close to the only breeding colony of the Westland black petrel.
Tours:
- Kea West Coast Tours
Half-day fully guided tours to Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, Hokitika, the Pancake Rocks and Shantytown.
- Off Beat Nature Tours
Photography and eco tours of the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, the Pancake Rocks and a seal colony.
